George Whitesides was born in August 1939 in Kentucky, USA, to American parents of white ethnicity. He grew up in a middle-class family; his father was a small business owner, and his mother was a homemaker. A bright and curious student from a young age, Whitesides attended a local high school and graduated in 1957.
He pursued his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where he earned an A.B. degree in chemistry in 1960. His academic rigor and passion for science drove him to continue his education at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he received his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1964.
While completing his doctorate, Whitesides began his academic career in 1963 as a faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Over the course of 19 years at MIT, he conducted extensive research in the field of chemistry, with a particular focus on polymers. His contributions led to significant advancements in developing cost-effective and high-strength polymeric materials.
In 1982, Whitesides returned to Harvard University, joining the Department of Chemistry as a professor. There, he established and led a prominent research laboratory. His leadership abilities and academic excellence led to his appointment as department chairman, a role he held for three years. During his tenure, he guided groundbreaking research projects across various disciplines within chemistry.
After his tenure at Harvard, Whitesides co-founded Whitesides Research, an independent research institute committed to fostering innovation among students. The facility provides resources beyond those available in most academic settings and aims to inspire students to push the boundaries of conventional science. He also runs a state-of-the-art laboratory that supports interdisciplinary projects and applied science initiatives.
| Birth Date: | 3 Aug, 1939 |
| Age: | 80 yrs |
| Occupations: | Chemist University teacher |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Louisville |
| Education: | California Institute of Technology Harvard University |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American chemist and professor of chemistry |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
